remain--here a Mohammedan, there a Christian, yonder a Judean.... From
my door I study these men, the children of those in life at my going
into exile. Their ardor is not diminished. To kiss a stone in which
tradition has planted a saying of God, they will defy the terrors of the
Desert, heat, thirst, famine, disease, death. I bring them an old idea
in a new relation--God, giver of life and power to Son and Prophet--God,
alone entitled to worship--God, a principle of Supreme Holiness to which
believers can bring their creeds and doctrines for mergence in a treaty
of universal brotherhood. Will they accept it? ... Yesterday I saw a
Schiah and a Sunite meet, and the old hate darkened their faces as they
looked at each other. Between them there is only a feud of Islamites;
how much greater is their feud with Christians? How immeasurably greater
the feud between Christian and Jew? ... My heart misgives me! Lord! Can
it be I am but cherishing a dream?"

At sight of a man approaching through the dusk, he calmed himself.

"Peace to thee, Hadji," said the visitor, halting.

"Is it thou, Shaykh?"

"It is I, my father's son. I have a report to make."

"I was thinking of certain holy things of priceless worth, sayings of
the Prophet. Tell me what thou hast?"

The Shaykh saluted him, and returned, "The caravan will depart to-morrow
at sunrise."

"Be it so. We are ready. I will designate our place in the movement.